The Magic Lollipop Garden

Grandma and Grandpa are always anxious to have their brood of younger grandchildren visit. They carefully prepare for their arrival, shopping being mindful of food allergies, planning meals to be cooked together with their grandchildren, and preparing the “kids’ room”, a bedroom with wall to wall beds. But the highlight of every visit occurs when the grandchildren plant magic seeds in the vegetable garden, Grandma says her magic spell, and the magic lollipops appear. Deborah hopes that this special ritual inspires other grandparents to create a little magic for their loved ones.

Deborah was born and raised in Toronto, Ontario, Canada where she completed a degree in English at York University. Her children, Michael Harris and his wife Jennifer now reside in Rocky Hill, New Jersey with their family, Katherine, Lucas and Laura. Her daughter Amy Outschoorn and her husband Dean continue to reside in Oakville, Ontario, Canada with their sons, twins Jonny and Alex, and Jacob. Now married to Lawrence Karlson, Deborah lives in Palm Beach Gardens Florida. Graydon Karlson and his wife Joan reside in Jacksonville, Florida and have three mature children Alexis, L.J. and Sebastian who are in university. Stephen Karlson and his wife Sylvia live nearby in Juno Beach with their daughters Lydia and Ella.

Deborah and her husband Lawrence travel extensively and maintain a second home in London, England. Deborah enjoys distance walking, sailing, painting, working out at the gym, music, cooking and entertaining. The highlight of their life, however, is when their grandchildren come to their home. A special activity awaits every visit, however, the magic lollipop garden has become a regular event. Deborah is pleased to share how this magic comes about at Grandma and Grandpa Florida’s home.